Aston Merrygold is eighth celebrity in Strictly Come Dancing 2017

Former JLS star Aston Merrygold is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Former JLS star Aston Merrygold is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 29-year-old star will join the likes of chef Simon Rimmer, This Morning star Ruth Langsford and Holby City actor Joe McFadden, in taking part in the 15th series of the BBC1 hit when it returns this autumn.

“I’m so happy to be joining Strictly 2017, it is such a brilliant show and I’ve followed it for years. I’m both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing,” said Aston.

Giving his boyband dancing background, Aston is likely to be one of the favourites to claim the famous Glitterball trophy.

This is far from Aston’s first reality show as he of course shot to fame as part of JLS when they were runners-up to Alexandra Burke on The X Factor. Plus, Aston became a judge on British talent show Got to Dance for Sky1.

Following JLS’s last performance in 2013, Aston has performed as a solo artist, with his debut solo record Get Stupid receiving huge international success.

Aston Merrygold joins Simon Rimmer, Joe McFadden, Reverend Richard Coles, Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King who have also been confirmed for the new series. More names will be announced soon.

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